News

Man dies after wading into North-East lake

A FRESH warning has been issued about the dangers of open water after a man died at a North-East lake this afternoon.

The emergency services were called to Watergate Park at Sunniside, Gateshead, at 3.26pm, after concerns were raised for the local man, who had waded into the lake.

Extensive searches were carried out for the 24-year-old, who was brought out of the water and taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he was pronounced dead at 6pm.

Northumbria Police said there is not believed to be any third party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The incident comes just a day after the body of student David Zikhali was found in the River Tees in Stockton. He had disappeared after getting into difficulty while swimming on Monday.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward tonight described the Gateshead death as a "tragic incident".

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this man at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them," he said.

"They are obviously distraught at what has happened and we're doing everything possible to support them at this time. Enquiries are in the early stages and an inquest will take place in due course to establish exactly what happened.

"However, it's important to remind people to take extra care around water such as rivers, lakes and the sea. The water can be particularly cold, even on hot days, and this can have dramatic effects on the body.

"Open water can be extremely deceptive and while it looks calm on the surface, underneath there may be powerful currents or hazardous debris and underwater obstructions, which pose a risk, even to strong swimmers."